Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Thelma Vaughn

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS

Summary

Results-oriented educator skilled in multidisciplinary collaboration and student support. Experienced in enhancing learning outcomes for diverse learners through tailored instructional strategies and effective classroom management. Dedicated Special Education Teacher with proven expertise in adaptive learning techniques and student engagement strategies. Committed to fostering diverse learners' success through individualized education plans and collaborative multidisciplinary approaches.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience

Work History

Special Education/Evening School Teacher/Mentor Teacher

East St. Louis School District 189
East St. Louis, Illinois
08.2016 - Current

Supported students with diverse learning needs in achieving academic goals through tailored instructional strategies. Assisted in creating a positive learning environment that fosters student engagement and participation. Collaborated with parents and staff to address individual student challenges and promote effective learning outcomes.

  • Implemented evidence-based teaching strategies to enhance learning outcomes.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to support student progress and development.
  • Mentored new teachers on effective classroom management techniques and instructional practices.
  • Conducted assessments to evaluate student performance and adjust interventions accordingly.
  • Facilitated parent-teacher conferences to strengthen communication and support for students' goals.
  • Led professional development workshops focused on inclusive education practices and resources.
  • Advocated for policy changes within the district to improve special education services and access.
  • Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
  • Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
  • Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
  • Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
  • Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
  • Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
  • Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
  • Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
  • Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
  • Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
  • Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
  • Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
  • Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
  • Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
  • Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.

Adjunct Faculty Member

Southwestern Illinois College
Belleville, IL
08.2004 - 08.2016
  • Developed course materials and lesson plans to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
  • Facilitated classroom discussions, promoting critical thinking and collaboration among students.
  • Evaluated student performance through assessments and provided constructive feedback for improvement.
  • Implemented innovative teaching methods to improve student retention and academic success rates.
  • Collaborated with colleagues on interdisciplinary projects to enrich educational offerings for students.
  • Organized workshops (Myers-Briggs) and training sessions for faculty development, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Collaborated with department head to create dynamic, ongoing curriculum development, and instruction improvement program.
  • Taught Introduction to Education, Introduction to Special Education and College Success Strategies classes in business operations, business procedures, and application of computer technologies.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge in respective fields of expertise by attending conferences and workshops.
  • Developed and kindled professional relationships with students to better communicate and enhance instruction.

Special Education Supervisor

East St. Louis School District 189
East St. Louis, Illinois
07.2008 - 06.2010
  • Developed and implemented individualized education programs for students with diverse learning needs.
  • Collaborated with teachers to enhance instructional strategies for special education classrooms.
  • Monitored student progress and adapted interventions to improve academic outcomes.
  • Conducted training sessions for staff on best practices in special education methodologies.
  • Facilitated communication between parents, educators, and support staff to address student concerns.
  • Evaluated and recommended resources to support the unique needs of students with disabilities.
  • Coached and observed 12 teachers to improve teaching techniques.

Education

Master of Science - Superintendent

Missouri Baptist University
St. Louis, MO

Master of Science - Educational Leadership

Missouri Baptist University
St. Louis, MO

Master of Science - Special Education Cross-Categorical

Fontbonne University
St Louis, MO

Bachelor of Science - Organizational Leadership

Greenville University
Greenville, IL

Associate of Science - Business Management

State Community College
East St. Louis, IL

Skills

  • Adaptive learning techniques
  • Student engagement strategies
  • Development of individual education plans
  • Facilitated small group learning
  • Inclusive engagement methods
  • Curriculum development
  • Data analysis proficiency
  • Cooperative teamwork
  • Fostering student motivation
  • Engagement in student support initiatives
  • Interpersonal communication techniques
  • Communication skills improvement
  • Implementation of behavior intervention strategies
  • Proficient in verbal and nonverbal cues
  • Student assistance
  • Teaching essential life skills
  • Multidisciplinary collaboration
  • Instructional adaptation
  • Social skills training
  • Crisis prevention and intervention
  • Dispute resolution strategies
  • Competency building
  • Disability assessment testing
  • Analysis of educational styles

Timeline

Special Education/Evening School Teacher/Mentor Teacher

East St. Louis School District 189
08.2016 - Current

Special Education Supervisor

East St. Louis School District 189
07.2008 - 06.2010

Adjunct Faculty Member

Southwestern Illinois College
08.2004 - 08.2016

Master of Science - Superintendent

Missouri Baptist University

Master of Science - Educational Leadership

Missouri Baptist University

Master of Science - Special Education Cross-Categorical

Fontbonne University

Bachelor of Science - Organizational Leadership

Greenville University

Associate of Science - Business Management

State Community College